WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. George Whitesides introduced the Containing Effects of Mining Extraction (CEMEx) Act, which would address the potential harms caused by large-scale mining operations near populated areas. 

Cemex, a building materials company headquartered in Mexico, purchased mining rights in Santa Clarita in 1990, sparking outrage from the surrounding community. Their planned Santa Clarita mine could cause additional noise, water, and air pollution in the city, as construction and operation would use a significant amount of water and resources. 

Rep. Whitesides’ legislation would create new federal standards for mining extraction projects, requiring a series of assessments, management, and conservation plans before construction could be approved. It would directly address the community’s concerns and ensure any potential mine is developed responsibly and with input from impacted residents. 

“We expect a level of transparency when it comes to major developments and construction projects that will impact the surrounding community, and Santa Clarita residents deserve to know how their lives will be affected by Cemex’s proposed mining operation,” said Rep. Whitesides. “My bill will ensure that their plan – and any other future developments – will not disrupt local roads and pollute essential waterways that communities depend on. In Congress, I’ll keep pushing to make sure residents in our area are heard, for this and any future mining operations.”

“The City of Santa Clarita has advocated for over three decades to protect Soledad Canyon from a proposed large-scale mining project,” said Mayor Laurene Weste of Santa Clarita. “The ‘Containing Effects of Mineral Extraction Act of 2026,’ is a critical piece of legislation to that effort, establishing a set of new federal requirements for mining contractors that have projects within a close proximity to cities or areas of critical environmental concern. I commend Congressman Whitesides for his work on this legislation and prioritizing such an important issue for those living in the Santa Clarita Valley. I remain committed in our fight to protect our vast open space areas, natural resources, and wildlife corridors that have become synonymous with who we are as a City. I look forward to continuing to work with the Congressman and the rest of our federal delegation to ultimately secure enactment of this critically important legislation.” 

“In the mid-1980’s, the State of California designated a corridor following the Santa Clara River Watershed as a Regionally Significant Construction Aggregate Resource Area setting the stage for what has become the biggest environmental and political challenge the Santa Clarita Valley has ever encountered,” said Andrew G. Fried President of Safe Action for the Environment (SAFE). “In 1991 Transit Mixed Concrete Company (TMC) now CEMEX, executed two ten-year contracts with the Bureau of Land Management to mine 56.1 million tons of sand and gravel over a 460 acre site and an additional forty acres for concrete processing facilities. U.S. Congressman George Whitesides, Agua Dulce (CA-27th District) understands the extensive problems with the project including significant air quality and major traffic issues, combined with water requirements created by mining in the middle of a drought affected growing community.  Therefore, SAFE appreciates and fully supports the new legislation introduced by Congressman Whitesides designed to protect the health and well-being of the entire Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding communities.”

The Containing Effects of Mining Extraction (CEMEx) Act will:

• Require companies to work with state and local agencies on a haul route impact assessment and trip management plan.
• Mandate that companies measure ways in which hauling could negatively impact the environment through debris and emissions.
• Order the creation of a water use and conservation plan which ensures a “net-zero” water impact on the local community.
• Ensure that applicants demonstrate they will implement submitted plans, coordinate with local governments in good faith, and obtain the necessary water rights.

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